Marionette
Ayumi Hamasaki / 浜崎あゆみ Lyrics

The lyrics to Ayumi Hamasaki's "Marionette" speak of the human tendency to hide behind a facade and pretend that everything is fine when deep down, there are issues that need to be addressed. The song begins by declaring that memories always look beautiful, but the truth is that there is more than meets the eye. The chorus begs the listener to remember that everyone is hiding behind a mask, attempting to make it through life while wounded and lost. However, this is not what people were born to do. The only reason to look back on the past is to assess mistakes and move forward, breaking free from the surface-level pretense that society demands.

The second verse expands on the damage people experience throughout their lives, sometimes to the extent that they lose sight of the light. Still, even after giving up multiple times, the singer (and likely the listener as well) is persevering and remains standing. The final stanza delivers the empowering message that it’s time to strip away the mask and stand tall for oneself, not just for anyone else.

Overall, "Marionette" is a song about breaking free from societal expectations and living authentically, embracing vulnerability and standing up for oneself.